Turn against

Meaning

The idiom "turn against" means to betray or go against someone or something that is considered important or valuable to oneself. This expression is commonly used when someone has been a friend, ally, or supporter, but then changes sides or starts working against the person who relied on them.

Usage

• When my old friend turned against me and started spreading rumors about me online, I felt betrayed and heartbroken.
• The whistleblower who turned against the company and exposed its illegal activities should be hailed as a hero.
• Despite being close friends for years, they turned against each other in court and testified against one another.
• When I found out that my brother had turned against his family and was working with our enemies, I was shocked and saddened.
• The political leader who turned against his own party and started a new movement won the election by a landslide.

Roots and History

The idiom "turn against" dates back to the 16th century when it was used in Middle English as "tueren agaynst". This expression comes from the literal meaning of "to turn away from" or "to direct one's face against". Over time, this expression has evolved to mean "to betray" or "go against someone or something important". The usage of this idiom has also changed depending on the context. In some cases, it can be used to describe a situation where someone is turning against themselves, such as when a person turns against their own values or beliefs.

Synonyms in English

• Backstabbed
• Betrayed
• Ratted out
• Stabbed in the back
• Crossed paths with

Synonyms in other languages

• French: "Trahir" - This idiom means to betray someone or something important. It is commonly used when someone has been a friend, ally, or supporter but then changes sides or starts working against the person who relied on them.
• Spanish: "Traicionar" - This expression comes from the Latin word for "betrayal" and is used to describe someone who goes against what they previously believed or committed to. It can also be used to describe a situation where someone has betrayed another person.
• German: "Verraten" - This idiom means to betray someone or something important. It is commonly used when someone has been a friend, ally, or supporter but then changes sides or starts working against the person who relied on them.
• Italian: "Tradire" - This expression comes from the Latin word for "betrayal" and is used to describe someone who goes against what they previously believed or committed to. It can also be used to describe a situation where someone has betrayed another person.
• Russian: "Отдать в разумное убийство" - This idiom means to betray someone or something important. It is commonly used when someone has been a friend, ally, or supporter but then changes sides or starts working against the person who relied on them.

Similar Idioms

• turn a deaf ear

• tall story

• at the helm